Live the Pura Vida with an escape to the staggering Central American country of Costa Rica in December. Here's our guide for visiting over the festive period.
In Costa Rica, December sees the beginning of the dry season in many regions, including the capital, San José, and Pacific coastal areas.
With a number of stunning festivals to complement the improving weather in December in Costa Rica, it may just be the ideal time to visit.
Wildlife and scenery are also boosted by the recent rains, and activities are primed and ready to go at this time of year. Many of the best wildlife attractions are approaching their peak season, while spirits throughout the country are high in the run-up to Christmas.
Although you can expect to pay more during this season and crowds may be on the up, there is plenty to excite all kinds of travellers.
Here's what to expect and do in Costa Rica during December.
As a tropical country close to the equator, the average Costa Rica December temperature is similar to the rest of the year: hot. But despite stable temperatures, Costa Rica does experience two significant seasons: the rainy season and the dry.
December is the start of the dry season in most regions of the country, including the North Pacific coast, Central Pacific coast, Central Valley, San José, the Osa Peninsula and Drake Bay.
However, the weather in December in Costa Rica experiences some regional variation. The Caribbean coast is in its rainy season, though there is a year-round threat of rain there anyway, similar to the area around Arenal. The locals there joke that it doesn't really have a dry season, but a rainy season followed by a really rainy season! Elevated regions like Monteverde may experience some stronger winds than usual, too.
Generally speaking, there is very little rainfall in the country between December and April. When you're booking a Costa Rica luxury tour or Costa Rica holidays, December is a month when you can expect clear conditions.
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The build-up to Christmas means travel to Costa Rica in December is always exciting. The Festival de la Luz kicks off the festivities on the second Saturday with marching bands, impressive floats and spectacular colourful light displays.
La Fiestas de Zapote in San José comes later in the month, between Christmas and New Year, and celebrates everything Costa Rican. Thousands of people attend each day of the week-long festival.
El Tope Nacional is a horse parade that also takes place in San José, along with many other activities that the whole family can join in with.
It may not have the best weather in Costa Rica in December, but Arenal Volcano is certainly worth a visit. The nearby town of La Fortuna, from which many people explore the Arenal Volcano National Park, is brimming with adventurous activities such as white water rafting and ziplining. Ziplining is also a great option in Monteverde, which has the longest zipline in Latin America and stunning cloud forests for you to check out.
Over on the east coast in the Central Pacific region, you'll find Manuel Antonio National Park coming into its peak season. White sand beaches, unforgettable rainforests and vastly diverse wildlife characterise the park, which also features many hiking trails. Spot three-toed sloths and endangered white-faced capuchin monkeys. Be warned, though: mischievous raccoons roam the area and may try and pinch any unguarded possessions!
On the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, December is also a great time for surfing due to larger, more consistent waves.
Still unsure if December is the right month to book your Costa Rica trip? See how the weather, prices, crowds and wildlife stack up against months by using our month-by-month comparison tool.
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In Costa Rica, December marks the shift from the rainy season into the dry season, which will continue until April. The change brings the kind of stable, sunny weather that's ideal for getting outside and exploring all the country has to offer.
The weather in Costa Rica in December is warm and mostly sunny, with the daily Costa Rica December temperature sitting between 24 and 30 Celsius. However, the dry season is only just beginning, and showers are still possible. Light, quick-drying outfits that perform well in both sun and rain are ideal.
Travel to Costa Rica in December is much more relaxing and fun when you've packed right and covered all of the essentials.
Don't forget your travel documents and bookings, as it'll be hard to travel to Costa Rica in December without them.
When it comes to Costa Rica holidays, December is a popular month. The bright December weather in Costa Rica appeals to many travellers who are looking to escape the winter cold, and this increased demand can raise costs.
If you visit Costa Rica in December over the Christmas or New Year period, you may have to pay a surcharge to cover festivities like live music or fireworks at your hotel.
Other Costs in December
For most of Costa Rica, December is the start of the dry season. This is the prime time to appreciate the country's astonishing natural beauty, as the vegetation has been nourished by the rain in the preceding months, but you run little risk of getting wet yourself.
Visit Costa Rica in December and you'll likely catch the Festival de la Luz - Festival of Lights - in San José, which features a parade of amazing illuminated floats.
In Costa Rica, December falls under Central Standard Time, which is the same time zone that Costa Rica uses all year round.
CST is six hours behind UTC, which is the time zone of the UK in December. That means that when you visit Costa Rica in December, your midday will be 6:00 PM in London.
Unlike the UK and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere, Costa Rica gets plenty of daylight in December. Throughout the year, the sun rises between 5:30 and 6:00 AM and sets around 5:30 PM.
Seeing turtles is high on many people's lists of things to do in Costa Rica in December. The Pacific coast is home to some of the best places to see them.
The highlight of many Costa Rica holidays, December is a good time for turtle spotting. Stick to known nesting sites and book a guided night tour for the best chance to see them.
